8 dead, 11 missing in SW China landslide

Rescuers repair the 108 national highway in Shimian County of Ya'an City, southwest China's Sichuan Province, July 5, 2013. A rain-triggered landslide and floods in Shimian County have left eight people dead and 11 others missing, local authorities said on Friday. Downpours battered Shimian County Thursday evening, triggering floods and a landslide that resulted in the suspension of traffic on several highways. (Xinhua/Huang Gang)

A rain-triggered landslide and floods in southwest China's Sichuan Province have left eight people dead and 11 others missing, local authorities said on Friday.

Downpours battered Shimian County in the city of Ya'an Thursday evening, triggering floods and a landslide that resulted in the suspension of traffic on several highways, the city's publicity office said.

The villages of Huilong, Anshun, Yonghe and Meiluo, as well as Xinmian Township, have been affected by the heavy rain.

More than 4,700 residents have been relocated, as more natural disasters may occur.